Quantitative analysis jobs require a high degree of skill and strong mathematical skills. They’re not for the faint of heart. In fact, some require a PhD in economics or finance and even then, the market is competitive as employers look for the best of the best when hiring.

Even though they are challenging, these jobs are often financially rewarding. So, if you are considering quant analysis as your career aspiration, take a look at your goals and consider these top jobs for 2016:

Algorithmic Trading Analyst

In this role, your job is to analyze trading data and recommend improvements to your company or client’s performance. Your employer will likely require that you participate in research related to algorithmic trading products, liquidity management and market microstructure. You also may need experience with high-frequency trading, as well as a working knowledge of:

Algorithmic trading software.

Identification and improvement of models based on provable theory and empirical evidence.

Financial Analyst

A financial analyst helps companies make investment choices based on ongoing market changes. They determine the viability and risk of financial decisions and make recommendations based on ratings.

As a financial analyst, you will:

Collect, compare and organize data for your organization.

Develop integrated revenue and expense reports.

Make projections based on existing financial data.

Create and study monthly, quarterly and annual reports, and ensure that financial information has been recorded accurately.

Innovation and Model Validation Specialist

Model validation involves analyzing existing risk management or investment models and ensuring their validity and accuracy. To succeed in this role, you need to be adept at:

Researching and collecting data.

Organizing data into usable information.

Assessing model risks and limitations so you can make intelligent recommendations.

Some employers require extensive knowledge of top-down and bottom-up research approaches.

You may be required to be a Chartered Financial Analyst with at least a master’s degree. You also may need a bachelor’s degree in economics. Hiring managers also will look for managerial experience, depending on the specific company you are pursuing.

Risk Manager

These roles – including risk management modelers – focus on various aspects of risk management.

As a risk management modeler, your job would be to forecast your company’s prepayment and default model and other inherent risks. Many employers require you to take an active role in reducing any negative risks to the organization.

Generally, you need a master’s degree in a quantitative discipline. These specialty areas include statistics, actuarial science, mathematics, quantitative finance and economics. For most jobs, you also need proven modeling and analytical skills.

Select Group, Inc, has strong partnerships with some of the best places in the United States to pursue your financial career. If you’re an A-list player seeking a new challenge in 2016, check out our job listings or contact us today.